Since its inception in 1975, the South Central Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (SCSECS) has provided a forum for scholars of the "long" eighteenth century (c. 1660-1830). A regional affiliate of the American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies, SCSECS is an interdisciplinary scholarly organization that enjoys a reputation for exceptional conviviality and inclusiveness. This year, we invite you to join us at North Carolina's fabled Pinehurst Resort for our annual meeting and celebration of our fiftieth anniversary.
Founded in 1895 by the Boston philanthropist James Walker Tufts, Pinehurst served as a health resort, where members of the middle class retreated from cities to recuperate from respiratory ailments. Tufts believed the "pine ozone" found only in this region of the country held curative properties. Visitors engaged in popular activities of the day such as riding, polo, lawn bowling, archery, bicycling, and tennis. Golf followed shortly. Pinehurst continues today as a world-class resort and frequent host to the prestigious U.S. Open golf championship. Nestled in a late 19th-century village, it features bountiful restaurants, quaint shops and an array of activities. Guests might relax at the spa, take a carriage ride through the village, watch races at the harness track, visit the Tufts Archives, take their turn in a round of croquet, pedal through the streets of the village, or sip bourbon at the North South Bourbon Bar. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the village features beautiful well-maintained historic homes and Olmstead's signature curvilinear and concentric system of streets. It offers a peaceful atmosphere for your morning run, afternoon walk, or quiet meditative moment.
The conference registration fee has been set at $250 for the Standard rate (by Jan. 3, 2026) and $300 at the door. Social passes for those who are not on the program but who want to attend receptions and the luncheon are available for $100.
In keeping with the topic and this year's sport-related venue, our plenary speaker will be Peter Radford, Professor of Sport Sciences at Glasgow University and Brunel University in London and, recently, a Fellow of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. A former British sprinter who has broken world records and won Olympic medals, Professor Radford is the author of The Celebrated Captain Barclay: Sport, Money and Fame in Regency Britain (Headline Book Publishing, 2001). In 2023 his new book, They Run with Surprising Swiftness: The Women Athletes of Early Modern Britain, was published as part of the University of Virginia's Peculiar Bodies: Stories and Histories series. You can find a brief interview at the UVA Press's "Author's Corner."
By Phone: Call (855) 235-8507. Be sure to mention that you are with the SCSECS group so that you receive the conference rate.
By Email: Send your reservation request to Amber Nixon at amber.nixon@pinehurst.com. She responds to emails Mon.-Fri. 9-5 EST.
NOTE: If you wish to arrive before the 19th or stay beyond the 21st, you will need to call or email to get the conference rate. You may arrive three days before and stay three days after at the conference rate. We encourage you all to bring a friend, spouse, partner and make this a mini break.
There are three hotels associated with the property, each with its own charms and locational advantages: The Carolina Hotel, the Holly Inn, and the Manor Inn. All are within a five-minute walk of one another. The conference meeting rooms and registration table will be located in the Carolina.
 The Carolina Hotel For over a century, the "Queen of the South" has welcomed guests to Pinehurst. Come stroll across the hotel's spacious verandas and into one of 230 Four-Diamond rooms and suites which, along with its grand lobby, have been newly renovated. The Carolina Dining Room, home to the best breakfast in golf, continues to tempt the palate of every guest, while the new Coffee House located in the lobby serves up quick bites and freshly brewed java. This cornerstone of Pinehurst also offers a heated pool complex, putting green on its West Lawn and two retail outlets for your shopping needs. |
 The Holly Inn Pinehurst's very first hotel, The Holly Inn has welcomed guests since 1895. It is situated in the heart of the Village, offering easy access to everything just steps from its iconic striped entrance. The architecture here is part Queen Anne revival and part Arts & Crafts, but the overall effect is pure Pinehurst. Fine touches adorn every guest room, from the Tiffany lamps illuminating the space to the antique bar that once dwelled in Scotland but now welcomes thirsty patrons in our Tavern. You can also visit the pool for a more intimate, quiet space for sunning and relaxing. This truly unique property has engendered much affection over its century-plus lifespan, and we're sure you'll love it as well. |
 The Manor Inn A year-long renovation completed in 2019 has transformed the historic Manor, originally opened in 1923, into a contemporary hotel wrapped in classic charm. Beyond the communal lobby lie well-appointed guest rooms waiting to immerse guests in comfort, as well as two private hospitality suites that can be reserved for golf groups of up to 20 and make an ideal place to celebrate a successful round on one of our courses. The North & South Bar offers a wide selection of fine whiskeys and cocktails, while just outside, Pinehurst Brewing Co. pours craft beer brewed on site. The Village of Pinehurst is also just a short walk away, making The Manor as convenient as it is memorable. |
Illustrations from Outlines of Figures, Landscapes, and Cattle etch'd by T. Rowlandson for the Use of Learners. London: S.W. Fores, 1790